Expert: Dr. Rakesh Kumar - 10/9/2008

Question
I live in Virginia, in the mountains.  I have one very steep slope on which I wish to plant some bamboo;  rather small plants would do. I'm not afraid of proliferation.  I do care about affordability.  Is there a good way to get some bamboo in very small sizes --doesn't have to be bigger than say a 6-8 inch cube for starters, but could be bigger-- that I could dig into this steep slope for some green, Asian-looking high-lights and to hold the soil on the slope?  Thanks for your counsel.

Answer
Dear Andrew,
I don't know which species of bamboo you have in your area But there is a technique macroproliferation for keeping the bamboo small but plants should be raised from seeds. Just keep cutting the rhizome in to small units having culm, rhizome unit and roots.
Rakesh